Basic Information

Course Code:

Course Name:

Language of Instruction:

Turkish

Course Type:

Class

Course Level:

Doctorate

ECTS:

30.00

Instructor:

Prof. Dr. İbrahim Sani MERT

Course Objectives

The aim of this course is to enable doctoral students to identify research topics for their dissertations, conduct comprehensive literature reviews, and develop scientific research designs. The course is designed to enhance students’ ability to formulate original research questions, construct theoretical frameworks, and develop appropriate methodological approaches.In addition, the course aims to improve students’ academic writing skills and support them in preparing a research proposal that will form the foundation of their doctoral dissertation in accordance with academic standards.

Course Content

This course focuses on the initial stages of the doctoral dissertation process. The content includes identifying a research topic, conducting a comprehensive literature review, developing a theoretical framework, formulating research questions and hypotheses, selecting appropriate research methods (qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods), data collection techniques, and research ethics.Within the scope of the course, students develop their dissertation proposals under the supervision of their advisors, analyze academic articles, and refine their research designs through in-class presentations and discussions.

Prerequisites / Corequisites

This course is designed for students enrolled in a doctoral program. Students are expected to have a foundational understanding of research methods and statistics.

Course Books / Materials / Recommended Resources

Main References:Creswell, J. W. – Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods ApproachesSaunders, M., Lewis, P., & Thornhill, A. – Research Methods for Business StudentsRecommended Readings:Recent academic journal articles related to the fieldDoctoral dissertations and sample research proposalsResources on academic writing and the publication processThese materials are intended to support students in understanding scientific research processes and developing original academic work.

Learning Outcomes

Code	Description
LO1	Students conduct a comprehensive literature review and develop a theoretical framework in their chosen research area.
LO2	Students formulate research problems, hypotheses, and research questions on a scientific basis.
LO3	Students select appropriate research methods (qualitative, quantitative, or mixed) and design a methodological framework.
LO4	Students present and defend their research proposal in accordance with academic standards.

Weekly Course Content

Week	Content
1	Overview of the dissertation process, expectations, and academic standards.
2	Selection of a research area and evaluation of its potential contribution.
3	Accessing key sources and conducting systematic literature review.
4	Critical analysis of literature and identification of research gaps.
5	Developing theoretical models and conceptual relationships.
6	Formulation of research questions and hypotheses.
7	Selection of research approach (qualitative, quantitative, mixed).
8	General Review
9	Identification of appropriate data collection techniques.
10	Selection of quantitative and qualitative analysis techniques.
11	Academic writing, referencing, and ethical standards.
12	Structuring research findings.
13	Developing theoretical and practical contributions.
14	Presentation and defense of the proposal.
15	Final evaluation of the dissertation proposal.

Workload Calculation

Activity	Count	Duration (Hours)	Total
Attendance	1	0.00	0.00
Practice	1	0.00	0.00
Laboratory	1	0.00	0.00
Pre-Class Individual Study	1	0.00	0.00
Post-Class Individual Study	1	0.00	0.00
Post-Prectice Individual Study	1	50.00	50.00
Midterm Exam/Preparation	1	0.00	0.00
Final Exam/Preparation	1	0.00	0.00
Quiz Preparation	1	0.00	0.00
Homework	1	0.00	0.00
Research Presentation	6	5.00	30.00
Seminar	1	0.00	0.00
Field Study	1	70.00	70.00
Workshop	1	0.00	0.00
Other	1	0.00	0.00
Total Workload (Hours)			150
ECTS Credit (Workload / 25)			5

Assessment

#	Assessment Type	Contribution (%)
1	Other	%100

PO - LO Matrix

PO \ LO	LO1	LO2	LO3	LO4
PO-1
PO-2
PO-3
PO-4
PO-5
PO-6
PO-7
PO-8
PO-9
PO-10

1

Low Contribution

2

Medium Contribution

3

High Contribution

Teaching and Learning Methods

#	Method Name	Description	Tools
1	On-site learning, supervised clinical practice (hands-on training)	Performing clinical procedures under supervision, patient management, and clinical decision-making	Clinical environment, dental units, clinical instruments and materials
2	Review / Survey Work	Research – lifelong learning, writing, reading

Academic Integrity and Artificial Intelligence

Full compliance with academic integrity principles is required in this course. All submitted work must be original, and all sources must be properly cited.Artificial intelligence tools may be used only for supportive purposes (e.g., literature review, idea generation). The direct use of AI-generated content without proper acknowledgment is considered a violation of academic ethics. Students are expected to clearly disclose the use of AI tools and assume full academic responsibility for all submitted work.

Sustainable Development Goals